Collapsible Storage Container for a Bed of a Truck

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a collapsible storage container for a bed of a pickup truck includes a set of panels, a connection system, and an attachment system. The set of panels are configured to form an enclosed area in a bed of a pickup truck. The set of panels are movable into a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state. In the collapsed state, the set of panels allow for substantially all of the bed of the pickup truck to be used. In the uncollapsed state, the set of panels form an enclosed area. The connection system connects the set of panels together such that the panels are movable into a collapsed state and an uncollapsed state. The attachment system is configured to connect the set of panels to the bed of the pickup truck.

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments generally relate to storage containers forpickup trucks.

A pickup truck (which may be referred to as a truck) is a motor vehicleor automobile with an open-top rear cargo area which is generally (butdoes not have to be) separated from a cabin to allow for chassis flexwhen carrying or pulling heavy loads. The open-top rear cargo area isgenerally referred to as the bed of the truck. The bed of the truck isgenerally configured to store, carry, or haul various items. However,because the bed of the truck has an open top (i.e., is not covered), thevarious items are generally exposed to the weather and/or thepossibility of theft. Furthermore, because of the bed of the truck isgenerally sized to store, carry, or haul larger items (e.g., gravel andwood), smaller items (e.g., groceries or tools) may slide around the bedof the truck. For some items, such as gravel, wood, and landscapingitems, being exposed to the possibility of weather, theft, and slidingaround is generally not a problem. However, for other items, such ascarpentry tools, groceries, and clothes, being exposed to thepossibility of weather, theft, and sliding around is generally notacceptable. In some situations, the person using the truck may choose toplace these items in the cabin of the truck to prevent exposure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments are described herein with reference to the followingdrawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a collapsible storage container in anuncollapsed position.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example of a collapsible storage container in acollapsed position.

FIG. 2A-2C illustrate examples of a collapsible storage container withan attachment system.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a collapsible storage container in acollapsed position.

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a collapsible storage container thatis being moved from a collapsed position to an uncollapsed position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of an example collapsible storagecontainer in a collapsed position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of an example collapsible storagecontainer in a collapsed position.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a side panel of a collapsible storagecontainer.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a collapsible storage container ina collapsed position.

FIG. 8A illustrates another example of a collapsible storage containerin a collapsed position.

FIGS. 8B-8D illustrate another example of a collapsible storagecontainer that is being moved from a collapsed position to anuncollapsed position.

FIG. 9A-9C illustrate another example of a collapsible storage containerthat is being moved from a collapsed position to an uncollapsedposition.

FIGS. 10A-B illustrate another example of a collapsible storagecontainer that is being moved from a collapsed position to anuncollapsed position.

FIG. 11A-11B illustrate another example of a collapsible storagecontainer that is being moved from a collapsed position to anuncollapsed position.

FIG. 12A-12E illustrate examples of a bedliner that is configured toreceive a collapsible storage container.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an electronic system that controls acollapsible storage container.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a computing device that controls acollapsible storage container.

FIG. 15 illustrates another example of an electronic system thatcontrols a collapsible storage container.

FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate examples of accessing a collapsible storagecontainer when in an uncollapsed position.

The following detailed description may be better understood when read inconjunction with the drawings which show certain example embodiments.The drawings are for the purpose of illustrating concepts, but it isunderstood that the inventions are not limited to the arrangements andinstrumentality shown in the drawings.

Description BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The present embodiments relate to a collapsible storage container for abed of a truck. A collapsible storage container is a storage containerthat may be collapsed or uncollapsed. When collapsed, the storagecontainer allows for all or substantially all of a bed of a truck to beused. However, when uncollapsed, various items may be placed in theinterior of the storage container. The items may be protected from thepossibility of weather, theft, and sliding around the bed of the truck,for example. The collapsible storage container may transition, eithermanually or electronically, between a collapsed position and uncollapsedposition. As a result, the collapsible storage container allows a userto utilize a storage container in the bed of the truck (e.g., when thecollapsible storage container is uncollapsed), but also utilize all orsubstantially all of the bed of the truck (e.g., when the collapsiblestorage container is collapsed).

As used herein, the term “collapsible” includes foldable, pivotable, orotherwise movable into and out of a collapsed position and/oruncollapsed position. “Collapsed” may include caved in, folded, pivoted,broke down, reduced in size, or otherwise moved from an uncollapsedposition to a collapsed position. “Uncollapsed” may include extended,elongated, enlarged, expanded, fanned out, heightened, increased,lengthened, let out, opened, prolonged, prolongated, raised, spun out,spreaded, stretched, unfolded, unrolled, widened, or otherwise movedfrom a collapsed position to an uncollapsed position.

In an embodiment, a collapsible storage container for a bed of a pickuptruck includes a set of panels, a connection system, and an attachmentsystem. The set of panels are configured to form an enclosed area in abed of a pickup truck. The set of panels are movable into a collapsedposition and an uncollapsed position. The set of panels, in thecollapsed position, may be used as the bed of the pickup truck. Theconnection system connects the set of panels together. The connectionsystem allows the set of panels to be movable into the collapsedposition and the uncollapsed position. The attachment system isconfigured to connect the set of panels to the bed of the pickup truck.

In another embodiment, a system includes a storage container. Thestorage container is configured to be moved into and out of a collapsedposition. The storage container includes an attachment system that isconfigured to connect the storage container to a bed of a pickup truck.The storage container includes an enclosed area that is located in anopen-top cargo area of the bed of the pickup truck when the storagecontainer is moved out of the collapsed position.

In yet another embodiment, a bed of a pickup truck includes an open-topcargo area. The open-top cargo area is located between one or more sidewalls, a tailgate, and a floor. The open-top cargo area is sized toreceive a collapsible storage container. Either one or more of the sidewalls, the tailgate, or the floor are configured to receive thecollapsible storage container. The collapsible storage container isconfigured to be moved into and out of a collapsed position. Thecollapsible storage container includes an attachment system that isconfigured to connect the storage container to either the one or moreside walls, the tailgate, or the floor. The storage container includesan enclosed area that is located in an open-top cargo area of the bed ofthe pickup truck when the storage container is moved out of thecollapsed position.

Reference herein to “embodiment” means that a feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment can beincluded in at least one embodiment. The appearance of this phrase invarious places in the specification is not necessarily all referring tothe same or single embodiment or even different and mutually exclusiveembodiments. Separate or alternative embodiments are not mutuallyexclusive embodiments. Instead, the embodiments described herein,explicitly and implicitly understood by one skilled in the art, may becombined with other embodiments. The embodiments and combinationsthereof are all within the scope of this patent document.

It is also worth noting that unless stated otherwise the variousembodiments disclosed herein are not limited in their application to thedetails of design and arrangement of the components set forth in theprevious and following description or as illustrated in the drawings.Instead, the previous description, following description, and thedrawings focus on presenting concepts of various embodiments. Theembodiments described herein may stand alone or be combined with eachother.

One or more of the embodiments may be embodied as a method, system,article of manufacture, apparatus, or device. It should be noted thatthe methods, systems, articles of manufacture, apparatus, and devicesprovided herein are merely illustrative and should not be considered aslimiting. Accordingly, while the following describes example methods,systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus, the examples providedare not the only way to implement such methods, systems, articles ofmanufacture, and apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a truck 100. The truck 100 includes a cabin 110 and abed 120. The bed 120 is generally (but does not have to be) separatedfrom (e.g., independent of) the cabin 110 to allow for chassis flex whencarrying or pulling heavy loads. The cabin 110 is coupled with the bed120. As used herein, the term “coupled with” may include a directconnection or indirect connection via one or more intermediarycomponents. For example, the cabin 110 may be welded directly to the bed120 or connected via a motor-vehicle chassis. The truck 100 may includeadditional, different, or fewer components.

The truck 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a pickup truck. As will be discussed inmore detail below, a pickup truck includes side walls along the edge ofthe bed 120. However, in some embodiments, a collapsible storagecontainer in accordance with an embodiment may be installed in or usedwith a vehicle that is pulling a trailer or even a semi-truck. Forexample, a collapsible storage container may be installed on a trailerthat does not include as many (e.g., relative to a pickup) or any sidewalls along the edges of the floor of the trailer. In another example, acollapsible storage container may be installed in a semi-truck (e.g.,near the rear doors).

The cabin 110 is an enclosed space where at least the driver is seatedwhen driving the truck 100. The cabin 110 may be referred to as a “cab.”The cabin 110 may be any now known or later developed cabin of a truck.For example, the cabin 110 may be a standard cabin, extended (or super)cabin, or crew cabin. A standard cabin has a single row of seats and asingle set of doors, one on each side. Most pickups have a front benchseat that can be used by two or more people; however, variousmanufacturers have begun to offer individual seats with a console in themiddle of the seats. An extended cabin includes additional space behindthe main seating area. This additional space may be accessed byreclining the front bench forward or a rear access door on one or bothsides of the cabin 110. A rear access door may be a door hinged on thetrailing edge, which is the edge closer to the rear of the truck 100.One or more seats may be placed in the area behind the front bench. Forexample, in an embodiment, the cabin 110 may include a side-facing seatthat can fold into the walls behind the front bench. However, in otherembodiments, a full bench may be placed in the back. A crew cabin may bea cabin with four-doors. A crew cabin includes seating for up to five orsix people on two full benches and full-size front-hinged doors on bothsides. Most crew cab pickups have a shorter bed or box to reduce theiroverall length.

The bed 120 includes one or more side walls 122, a tailgate 124, and afloor 126. The side walls 122, tailgate 124, and floor 126 areconfigured to form an open-top cargo area 128. The open-top cargo area128 may be used for carrying or hauling cargo, such as tools, gravel,groceries, clothes, or other items. Because the bed 120 is an open-topcargo area 128, the various items being carried or hauled are exposed tothe weather and the possibility of theft. For some items, such as graveland wood, weather and/or theft are generally not a problem. However, forother items, such as carpentry tools, groceries, and clothes, beingexposed to the weather and theft are generally a concern.

In an embodiment, the bed 120 includes a collapsible storage container130. As shown in FIG. 1A, the bed 120 includes a collapsible storagecontainer 130 in an uncollapsed position. “Uncollapsed” may includeextended, elongated, enlarged, expanded, fanned out, heightened,increased, lengthened, let out, opened, prolonged, prolongated, raised,spun out, spread, spread out, stretched, unfolded, unrolled, widened, orotherwise moved from a collapsed position to an uncollapsed position. Inthe uncollapsed position, the collapsible storage container 130 is notcollapsed. In the uncollapsed position, the storage container 130 may beenclosed and configured to store, haul, or carry cargo. In other words,the collapsible storage container 130 may be closed off on all sides.The inside or interior of the storage container 130 may be used as acargo container to prevent cargo from sliding, being exposed to weather,and/or being stolen.

When in the uncollapsed position, the collapsible storage container 130is in the bed 120 of the truck 100. The collapsible storage container130 when uncollapsed may take up space of the bed 120 of the truck. Forexample, the collapsible storage container 130 when uncollapsed may takeup more space of the bed 120 than the collapsible storage container 130when collapsed. Relative to the collapsed position, the uncollapedposition may require more cubic footage of the bed 120.

In some embodiments, although one or more of the side walls of thecollapsible storage container 130 may share side walls with the bed 120of the truck 100, the inside or interior of the storage container 130(i.e., the area that stores, hauls, or carries cargo) is disposed in theopen-top cargo area 128. For example, when uncollapsed, the inside orinterior of the collapsible storage container 130 may be disposedbetween the side walls 122 and the tailgate 124, as well as being abovethe floor 126. The interior or inside of the collapsible storagecontainer 130, when uncollapsed, is not inside the side walls of the bed120 of the truck 100 or beneath the floor 126. For example, thecollapsible storage container 130 is not a container inside of acompartment built in a side wall 122. Instead, the inside or interior ofthe collapsible storage container 130 may be disposed in the open-topcargo area 128. For example, the inside of the collapsible storagecontainer 130 may be in the open-top cargo area when in the uncollapsedposition. In the collapsed position, the collapsible storage container130 may be unable to store, haul, or carry cargo.

The collapsible storage container 130, even in the uncollapsed position,is generally smaller than the bed 120 of the truck 100. For example, thebottom of the collapsible storage container 130, when in the uncollapsedposition, may be less than half of the square footage of the bed 120 ofthe truck. In some embodiments, the bottom of the collapsible storagecontainer 130, when in the uncollapsed position, may be less than aquarter of the square footage of the bed 120 of the truck. In someembodiments, the collapsible storage container 130 may be the same sizeor almost the same size as the bed 120 of the truck 100. The term“almost” accounts for the physical structure of the collapsible storagecontainer 130.

FIG. 1B illustrates the collapsible storage container 130 in a collapsedposition. As used herein, “collapsed” may include caved in, folded,pivoted, broke down, reduced in size, or otherwise moved from anuncollapsed position to a collapsed position. As will be discussed inmore detail below, “collapsible” includes foldable, pivotable,retractable, or otherwise movable into and out of a collapsed positionand/or uncollapsed position. As such, the collapsible storage container130 is a storage container that provides a user the opportunity tostore, haul, or carry cargo in a storage container in the bed 120 of thetruck 100 but then, when the bed 120 of the truck is desired, collapsethe storage container such that the bed 120 of the truck 100 may be usedas a bed 120 of the truck 100.

The collapsible storage container 130 is generally located, when in theuncollapsed position, near the tailgate 124. This location may allow auser to reach the collapsible storage container 130 without climbinginto the bed 120 of the truck 100. However, the location of thecollapsible storage container 130 is not limited, for example, as longas it is disposed in the bed 120 when in an uncollapsed position. Forexample, the collapsible storage container 130 may be disposed near thecab 110, as opposed to near the tailgate 124. In this example, a usermay reach over a side wall 122 of the bed 120 or climb into the bed 120to access the collapsible storage container 130. Other locations andways of accessing the collapsible storage container 130 are includedwithin the scope of this description.

The collapsible storage container 130 may be made of one or morematerials. For example, the collapsible storage container 130 may bemade of plastic, metal, wood, or other material. The material may beweatherproof. For example, stainless steel or plastic may be used toprotect against rain and snow. The material may also prevent or at leastdeter theft. For example, a hard plastic, such as teflon, may be used toprotect against both the weather and theft.

The collapsible storage container 130 may include a security system. Thesecurity system may include an alarm system that alarms a user or othersnear the collapsible storage container 130 when the interior ofcollapsible storage container 130 is being accessed with authorization.For example, the collapsible storage container 130 may include an audioalarm that sounds an alarm if the collapsible storage container 130 isopened without disabling or disarming the alarm. The audio alarm mayalert others in the nearby area that the collapsible storage container130 is being opened. The alarm system may include a key pad or wirelessremote system that allows the user to disarm the alarm system and accessthe collapsible storage container 130 without the alarm being triggered.

One or more of the side walls of the collapsible storage container 130may be configured to provide access to the inside or interior of thecollapsible storage container 130. For example, one of the side wallsmay fold down or up to allow access to the inside of the storagecontainer when in an uncollapsed position. In other embodiments, insteadof moving the entire side wall, a door or window may be provided to theinside of the collapsible storage container 130. In some embodiments,both a side wall that provides access (e.g., folds up) and a door may beprovided. When something large needs to be retrieved from or placed inthe inside of the collapsible storage container, one or more side wallsmay be folded down or up, for example. However, a door or window mayalso be provided to allow the user to retrieve or place something smallon the inside of the collapsible storage container. When access is notneeded, the one or more sides may be configured to prevent access to theinside.

When in the collapsed position, the collapsible storage container 130takes up little (if any) of the open-top cargo area 128. The collapsiblestorage container 130 may be unable to store, carry, or haul cargo whenin the collapsed position. When the storage container 130 in anuncollapsed position, the storage container 130 provides a storagecontainer that may be used to store, carry and haul cargo. Thecollapsible storage container 130, when uncollapsed, may be weatherproofand/or secure from theft, such that the cargo inside the collapsiblestorage container 130 is protected from the weather and theft.Weatherproof may include protection against rain, snow, wind, or otherweather. Secure from theft may include protection against theft. Forexample, the collapsible storage container 130 may deter or slow down atheft (e.g., relative to not having a collapsible storage container130).

The collapsible storage container 130 may be manually and/orelectrically moved from a collapsed position to an uncollapsed position.For example, a user may manually move the collapsible storage container130 between the collapsed and uncollapsed positions. The collapsiblestorage container 130 may include one or more handles that are used forassisting with converting between the collapsed and uncollapsedpositions. In another example, the collapsible storage container may beautomatically (with zero or little assistance from a user) moved. Thecollapsible storage container 130 may be connected to an electricalsystem that automatically moves the collapsible storage container 130. Auser may initiate movement (e.g., by pressing or pressing and holding abutton) between the movements. The electrical system then drives thecollapsible storage container 130 between the positions.

The collapsible storage container 130 may include one or morecompartments or sections. The interior of the collapsible storagecontainer 130 may include a compartment system that allows a user tocompartmentalize the inside or interior of the collapsible storagecontainer 130. For example, the inside or interior may include twocompartments. One compartment may be a smaller compartment that is usedto carry items that are likely to move around, such as groceries.Another compartment may be larger (e.g., relative to the smallercompartment) and used to carry larger items, such as tools, computers,etc.

It is noted that there may be one or more intermediary positions betweena completely collapsed position (i.e., unable to store, carry, or haulany cargo) and a completely uncollapsed position. For example, thecollapsible storage container 130 may be partially collapsed and able tostore, carry, or haul some cargo. In a partially collapsed position, thecollapsible storage container 130 is unable to store, carry, or haul asmuch cargo as when in the completely uncollapsed position but is stillable to store, carry, or haul some cargo. However, because thecollapsible storage container 130 is partially collapsed, the storagecontainer 130 does not require as much cubic footage of the bed 120 asthe storage container 130 in a completely uncollapsed position.

The collapsible storage container 130 includes an attachment system 144.The attachment system 144 may be used to connect or attach thecollapsible storage container 130 to the bed 120 of the truck 100. Theattachment system 144 may include screws, hooks, rods, snap-in modules,or other mechanisms for securing or fixing the storage container 130 tothe bed 120 of the truck 100. In some embodiments, as will be discussedin more detail below, the attachment system 144 may be distributedbetween the collapsible storage container 130 and the bed 120 (or othercomponent, such as a bed liner, that attaches to the bed 120). Forexample, the collapsible storage container 130 may include a malecomponent that connects (e.g., snaps, screws, or otherwise attaches)into a female component of the bed 120 or vice-versa.

The collapsible storage container 130 may include a support system. Thesupport system may be used to support the collapsible storage container130 in an uncollapsed position. The support system may be rigid sidewalls (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1A), a hook system, a telescoping rodsystem, or other system that is able to hold or maintain the collapsiblestorage container 130 in an uncollapsed position.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the side walls ofthe collapsible storage container 130 are able to support themselves inthe uncollapsed position. The side walls of the collapsible storagecontainer 130 may be rigid and able to remain in an uncollapsedposition. However, in other embodiments, the collapsible storagecontainer 130 may need additional support. For example, as shown in FIG.2A, the collapsible storage container 130 may include bellows for theside walls (e.g., as will be explained below for FIG. 9A-9C). The sidewalls are not self-supporting in the uncollapsed position. As shown inFIG. 2A, a hook system 200 may be used to hook a top, bottom, or sidewall of the collapsible storage container 130 in an uncollapsedposition. A hook 202, which is coupled with the collapsible storagecontainer 130, may be hooked to a latch 204 on the top of the side walls122 of the bed 120 of the truck 100. The hook 202 may hook onto thelatch 204 to support the collapsible storage container 130.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the support system 200 mayinclude rods 210 that may be placed in an indentation 212 on the top ofthe side walls of the bed of the truck. The indentation 212 may keep therods 210 from sliding around.

In yet another example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the support system 200 mayinclude one or more telescoping rods 220. The one or more telescopingrods 220 may be coupled with the collapsible storage container 130. Whenthe one or more more telescoping rods 220 are extended, the telescopingrods 220 may hold the collapsible storage container 130 in anuncollapsed position. In order to move the collapsible storage container130 into a collapsed position, the telescoping rods may decrease inlength (e.g., one portion of a telescoping rod may slide into anotherportion and so on). When in a collapsed position, the telescoping rodsystem 2030 and the collapsible storage container 130 may be flush withthe rest of the bed of the truck.

Foldable Storage Container(s)

FIG. 3A-3B illustrate a collapsible storage container 130 that isfoldable. The collapsible storage container 130 may be folded from acollapsed position into an uncollapsed position. Likewise, thecollapsible storage container 130 may be unfolded from the uncollapsedposition into a collapsed position.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the collapsible storage container 130 includes abottom side panel 132, a front side panel 134, a back side panel 136, atop side panel 138, a left side panel 140, and a right side panel 142.It is noted that the descriptions “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “top,”“left,” and “right” are from the perspective of facing the front of thetruck 100. (e.g., as used herein, the “front” is toward the cabin 110,the “bottom” is toward the ground, the “right” is toward the driver sideof the truck in the United States). However, other descriptions may beused, for example, in the event that the collapsible storage unit 130 ortruck 100 is rotated. The descriptions are intended to help illustratethe concepts and not limit the mechanics, structure, or variousembodiments. A panel may be referred to as a wall or side of thecollapsible storage container 130.

FIG. 3A illustrates the collapsible storage container 130 in a collapsedposition. In the collapsed position, the collapsible storage container130 provides use of all or substantially all of the open-top cargo area128, which is the area between the side walls 122, tailgate 124, andfloor 126. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3A, fourof the panels 132-138 of the collapsible storage container 130 lay flaton the floor 126 (and/or tailgate) of the bed 120, while two of thepanels 140, 142 are positioned against or adjacent to the sides 122 ofthe bed 120. Substantially the entire bed 120 may be used for carryingand hauling. As used at least in this example, “substantially” relatesto the space taken up by the side walls of the collapsible storagecontainer 120 when lying on top of or adjacent to the side walls 122,tailgate 124, and/or floor 126. For example, the term “substantially”takes into account the physical structure of the collapsible storagecontainer 130. In another example, one or more of the side walls 122,tailgate 124, and floor 126 include (e.g., are manufactured with) anindentation that allows the side panels of the collapsible storagecontainer 130 to be flush with the remaining portion of the sides 122,tailgate 124, and/or floor 126. The indentations allow for the entirebed 120 to be used for carrying and hauling, since the side walls of thecollapsible storage container 130 are moved into the indentations whenin a collapsed position. The indentation may take into account thephysical structure of the collapsible storage container 130. Forexample, if one or more of the panels are an inch thick, then theindentation may be an inch deep to allow the one or more panels to layin the indentation.

FIG. 3B illustrates the collapsible storage container 130 being foldedfrom a collapsed position into an uncollapsed position. As shown byarrow 135, the front side panel 134 may fold toward the left and rightside panels 140, 142. As shown by arrow 139, the back side panel 136 mayfold toward the left and right sides 140, 142. In other words, the frontside panel 134 and back side wall 136 may fold toward each other andconnect with the left and right side panels 140, 142 to form an open-topstorage container. However, as shown by arrow 137, as the front sidewall 134 is folded up, the top side wall 138 may fold onto, along, oradjacent to the top of the left and right side walls 140, 142 to providethe top to the collapsible storage container 130. When folded togetherand connected, the side walls 132-142 form an enclosed area that may beused for storage, for example, while driving or parked.

All or some of the walls 132-142 may stay connected using connectionsystem. The connection system may include magnets, snaps, screws,hinges, or other connectors that connect all or some of the panels132-142 together. For example, in an embodiment, an inter-lock mountingsystem may be used. In this example, the front side wall 134 may includea male snap-in mount that inter-locks with a female snap-in mount on theleft and right side walls 140, 142. The other side walls may alsoinclude other similar inter-locking connectors. In an embodiment, theconnection system may allow some, but not all, of the panels 132-142, tomove. This may be advantageous when the collapsible storage container isuncollapsed. For example, the connection system may allow the top panel138 to move while the other panels 132-136 and 140-142 to remainconnected. This will allow a user to access the inside or interior ofthe collapsible storage container 130, for example, when uncollapsed.

In some embodiments, the left and right side panels 140, 142 may alsolay flat on the floor 126 when collapsed. This may reduce the interiorsize of the collapsible storage container 130 but may also reduce thecomplexity of the design of the collapsible storage container 130.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side perspective of the collapsible storagecontainer 130 of FIGS. 3A-3B. As shown in FIG. 4, in addition to theside panels 132-142, the collapsible storage container 130 includeshinges 146 that couple at least some of the side panels 132-142 witheach other. The hinges 146 may be rubber hinges or other hinges that areweatherproof (e.g., able to prevent or deter water or other liquid fromentering into the inside of the Collapsible storage container 130). Thehinges 146 may allow the sides to collapse. For example, in theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, the hinges 146 allow all or some of thepanels 132-142 to fold away from each other when the collapsible storagecontainer 130 is collapsed and fold toward each other (e.g., to form anenclosed storage container) when uncollapsed.

The collapsible storage container 130 may include a lock 148. The lock148 may be a locking system (e.g., including one or more locks) thatsecures the collapsible storage container 130 when uncollapsed. The lock148 may prevent one, some, or all of the walls from moving and providingaccess to the interior of the collapsible storage container 130. In someembodiments, the lock 148 may include a lock and key system on an edgeof a first panel and an edge of a second panel. A user may insert a keyinto the locking mechanism to lock the collapsible storage container130. The locking mechanism, when the collapsible storage container 130is collapsed, may not extend out of the sides and snag objects beingplaced into the bed 120 of the truck 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of a collapsible storagecontainer 130 in a collapsed position (e.g., laying flat). Thecollapsible storage container 130 may include an attachment system 144.As mentioned above, the attachment system 144 may be used to attach thecollapsible storage container 130 to a bed of the truck. For example,the attachment system 144 may be used to hold, set, put, or place thecollapsible storage container in a rigid, permanent, non-movable, orsecure position. The attachment system 144 may prevent someone fromeasily removing the collapsible storage container 130 from the bed ofthe truck.

An attachment system may be an invasive or non-invasive attachmentsystem. An invasive attachment system is an attachment system thatenters into the bed of the truck (e.g., is screwed into the bed of thetruck). However, a non-invasive attachment system is an attachmentsystem that attaches to the bed of the truck without entry into thetruck.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an example of an embodiment of an attachment system144. The attachment system 144 is a non-invasive attachment system. Theattachment system 168 includes an attachment plate 150, pressure bolts164, a rod and shaft system 166, 162, and a gusset 160. Additional,different, or fewer components may be provided. The collapsible storagecontainer 130 may include or be configured to connect to an attachmentsystem 150. The attachment system 144 attaches, secures or fixes thecollapsible storage container 130 to the bed 120. The attachment system144 may be attached to both the collapsible storage container 130 andthe bed 120.

As shown in FIG. 5, the attachment plate 150 is secured to the bottomside panel 132. Securing the attachment plate 150 to the bottom sidepanel 132 may include screwing, nailing, gluing, hinging, clamping,manufacturing as a single piece, or otherwise attaching the twotogether. The pressure bolts 164 may be backed out of the attachmentplate 150 up against the side walls 122 of the bed of the truck tosecure the attachment plate 150 to the bed of the truck. The pressurebolts 164 may include holes that allow a lock (e.g., a pad lock) to beplaced through the bolt 164 to prevent it from being loosened. Once thescrews are tight against the bed of the truck, the attachment plateshould not be able to be removed or move around.

The bottom panel 132 may include one or more shafts 166. The shafts 166are sized to receive a rod 162 (shown in FIG. 6) that is connected tothe side panel 142. The rod 162 guides the side panel 142 as shown byarrow 152. FIG. 6 illustrates a side panel 142 and the rod 162. A gusset160 may be used to further support the connection between the rod 162and side panel 142. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-6, theattachment system 144 may include a rod 162 and a shaft 166. The rod 162may extend into the shaft 154. The shaft 166 may be a hole or tunnelthat extends into the bottom panel 132.

As shown in FIG. 7, the rod 162 and shaft 166 allow the side panels 140,142 to move adjacent to the side walls 122 of the bed of the truck sothat as much of the bed of the truck may be used as possible. When in acollapsed position, the side walls 140, 142 may be moved away from thebottom panel 132 and toward the edges of the bed of the truck.

In some embodiments, the attachment system 150 may allow all, some, orone of the side panel 132-142 to move. For example, as shown in FIG. 7,the attachment system 150 may include one or more tracks, rods andshafts, or other connectors that allow for movement. FIG. 7 illustratesan embodiment where the side panels 140, 142 are extended away from thebottom panel 132 and toward the side walls of the bed of the truck.

It should be noted that instead of using a rod and shaft system asdescribed above, the attachment system 144 may include a track system ortelescoping system to provide for the movement of all, some, or one ofthe panels, for example. However, in other embodiments, the attachmentsystem 168 does not allow for movement of any of the panels. Instead,with exception of the folding movement, the panels of the collapsiblestorage container 130 are not movable. For example, the left and rightside walls 140, 142 may not move as shown by arrow 152 of FIG. 5.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate an embodiment of a collapsible storage container130. The embodiment(s) shown in FIGS. 8A-8C is/are similar, with respectto folding, to the embodiment(s) shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, except that theside panels 140, 142 also fold down. In other words, all of the sidewalls 132-142, including the side panels 140, 142 fold down into acollapsed position, as will be described and illustrated in more detailbelow.

FIG. 8A illustrates a rear-view of a collapsible storage container 130in the bed 120 of a truck 100. The bed 120 includes a stow-awaycompartment 800. The stow-away compartment 800 may be built into (e.g.,integrated) into the bed 120, for example, during manufacture of the bed120. The stow-away compartment 800 may allow the collapsible storagecontainer 130, when in a collapsed position, to be out of the way of thebed 120, such that the entire bed 120 may be used to haul, carry, orstore cargo.

In some embodiments, the stow-away compartment 800 includes a door 810with a handle 820. The handle 820 may be used to open the door 810. Thehandle 820 may be configured to allow a user to lift the door, forexample, when the door 810 is closed using gravity or a light attachingmechanism, such as magnets or snaps. However, in other embodiments, thehandle 820 is connected to a latch (e.g., including a lock) that latchesthe door 810. The handle 820 may be used to open the latch that issecuring the door 810 shut.

The door 810 may be opened and shut. When the door 810 is opened, thecollapsible storage container 130, which is collapsed when in thestow-away compartment 800, may be moved into an uncollapsed position.For example, in some embodiments, the door 810 may be opened and thecollapsible storage container 130 removed from the stow-away compartment800. The collapsible storage container 130, in the collapsed position,may attach to a guide, rail, spring, pivot, or other mechanism thatallows the collapsible storage container 130 to be removed from thestow-away compartment 800. In some embodiments, once the collapsiblestorage container 130 is removed, the door 810 is closed. However, inother embodiments, the door 810 does not need to be closed. Instead, thedoor 810 needs to allow the collapsible storage container 130 to bemoved into an uncollaspsed position. For example, the door 810 may be ona hinge that moves the door 810 out of the way or the door 810 may slideout of the way.

As shown in FIG. 8B, once the collapsible storage container 130 isremoved from the stow-away compartment 800, the panels 132-142 may beunfolded as shown in FIG. 8B and 8C. The folding may be similar, but notnecessarily the same, as the folding of FIG. 3B. For example, as shownin FIG. 8B, the front and top panels 134, 138 may be folded toward thefront of the truck 100. The back and side panels 136, 140, 142 may befolded toward the back of the truck 100 (e.g., the tailgate), as shownby arrow 840. As shown in FIG. 8C, the side panels 140, 142, which areconnected to the back panel 136 in this example, may be folded towardthe sides of the bed 120, as shown by arrows 860.

As shown in FIG. 8D, the back panel 136 and side panels 140, 142 may befolded toward the front of the truck 100, as shown by arrow 880. In FIG.8D, the back panel 136 and side panels 140, 142 have already beenfolded. The arrow 880 shows the folding motion that already occurred.The front panel 134 and top panel 138 may be folded backwards, as shownby arrow 890. The various panels may then be connected together. Onceconnected together, for example, using a connection system, thecollapsible storage container 130 is in the uncollapsed position. Whenthe collapsible storage container 130 is moved back into the collapsedposition, the user may unconnect the panels 132-142 and move thecollapsible storage container 130 back into the stow-away compartment800 of FIG. 8A. The door 810 may then be shut.

It should be noted that the method of folding and unfolding describedherein are examples. Depending on how the collapsible storage container130 is configured, the folding and unfolding may occur differently. Forexample, in FIG. 8C, the side walls 140, 142 may be connected to thebottom panel 132, front panel 134, or the top panel 138. This may changethe way that the collapsible storage container 130 is collapsed anduncollapsed (e.g., folded and unfolded).

In some embodiments, the bottom of the stow-away compartment 800 may bethe bottom of the inside or interior of the collapsible storagecontainer 130. For example, the bottom panel 132 may not be needed.Instead, the other panels may form a container around the stow-awaycompartment 800. This may expand the size of the interior of thecollapsible storage container 130. However, when uncollapsed, the insideor interior of the collapsible storage container 130 extends above thefloor 126 and into the open-top cargo area.

The stow-away compartment 800 may be used for various embodiments of thecollapsible storage container 130. For example, a collapsible storagecontainer 130 with bellows, as discussed in more detail below, may beplaced in the stow-away compartment. In another example, a collapsiblestorage container 130 with one or more telescoping rods may be stored inthe stow-away compartment 800. The telescoping rods may extend out ofthe stow-away compartment. In yet another example, a collapsible storagecontainer 130 that is pivotable or retractable, as discussed in moredetail below, may be stored in the stow-away compartment.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate another embodiment of a collapsible storagecontainer 130 that is foldable. The collapsible storage container 130includes bellows 900. The bellows 900 allow the collapsible storagecontainer 130 to collapse, as shown in FIG. 9A. In this example, thebellows 900 are connected to the tailgate. As shown in FIG. 9B, thebellows 900 may be moved toward the front of the truck, as shown byarrow 910. FIG. 9C illustrates the collapsible storage container 130that is uncollapsed. A support system may be used to maintain thecollapsible storage container 130 in the uncollapsed position. FIG. 9Calso shows a track, rail, or guide system that guides the collapsiblestorage container 130 when moved between the collapsed and uncollapsedpositions. When the user is ready to move the collapsible storagecontainer 140 into a collapsed position, the user may move thecollapsible storage container 140 back toward the tailgate 124, as shownby arrow 930.

Retractable Storage Container(s)

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate a collapsible storage container 130 that isretractable. The collapsible storage container 130 retracts from the bed120 of the truck 100. Retracting may include moving into and out of thebed 120.

FIG. 10A illustrates the collapsible storage container 130 in acollapsed position. The collapsible storage container 130 has beenretracted out of the bed 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, thecollapsible storage container 130 may include or be attached to a guidesystem 1010 that allows the collapsible storage container 130 to moveinto and out of the bed 120. The guide system 1010 may include a rail,track, or other guidance system that allows the collapsible storagecontainer 130 to move between the collapsed and uncollapsed positions.

The collapsible storage container 130 may be locked in the collapsedposition and/or the uncollapsed position. For example, a pin may beinserted into a hole of the guide system 1010 to maintain thecollapsible storage container 130 in a fixed position. The pin may beremoved to collapse or uncollapse the collapsible storage container 130.

In FIG. 10A, the top panel of the collapsible storage container 130 maybe used as part of the bed 120. For example, when collapsed, the toppanel may be flush with the bottom of the bed 120. In another example, adoor may be placed over the top of the collapsible storage container130. When in the collapsed position, the door may be closed. The doormay be part of the bed 120 of the truck 100. The door may be opened toallow the collapsible storage container 130 to be uncollapsed.

It is noted that in the collapsed position, the interior of thecollapsible storage container 130 may not be accessed. However, in someembodiments, the interior of the collapsible storage container 130 maybe accessed in the collapsed position. For example, a door may beprovided in the top panel and allow access to inside or interior of thecollapsible storage container 130. Because the collapsible storagecontainer 130 maintains the same shape in both the collapsed anduncollapsed position, the interior may be accessed, for example.Alternately, or additionally, the collapsible storage container 130 maybe accessed underneath the floor of the bed of the truck. This may bebeneficial, for example, if the bed 120 is being used to haul or carrycargo (e.g., rocks, wood, or other supplies).

FIG. 10B illustrates the collapsible storage container 130 in anuncollapsed position. In the uncollapsed position, all or at leastsubstantially all of the inside or interior of the collapsible storagecontainer 130 may be located above the floor of the bed of the truck.For example, the collapsible storage container 130 may be moved up, forexample, using a handle or lever, above the floor of the bed of thetruck.

Pivotable Storage Container(s)

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate a collapsible storage container that ispivotable. FIG. 11A illustrates the collapsible storage container 130 ina collapsed position. The collapsible storage container 130 has beenpivoted out of the bed 120. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, thecollapsible storage container 130 may include or be attached to a pivotsystem 1100 that allows the collapsible storage container 130 to pivotinto and out of the bed 120. The pivot system 1100 may include a pin,swivel, or other system that allows the collapsible storage container130 to pivot.

The collapsible storage container 130 may be locked in the collapsedposition and/or the uncollapsed position. For example, a pin may beinserted into a hole of the guide system 1010 to maintain thecollapsible storage container 130 in a fixed position. The pin may beremoved to collapse or uncollapse the collapsible storage container 130.

In FIG. 11A, the top panel of the collapsible storage container 130 maybe used as part of the bed 120. For example, when collapsed, the toppanel may be flush with the bottom of the bed 120. In another example, adoor 1110 may be placed over the top of the collapsible storagecontainer 130. When in the collapsed position, the door 1110 may beclosed. The door may be part of the bed 120 of the truck 100. The doormay be opened, as shown in FIG. 11A, to allow the collapsible storagecontainer 130 to be uncollapsed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11 B, the collapsible storagecontainer 130 may include a guide system 1120, which guides thecollapsible storage container 130 as it is pivoted into and out of acollapsed and/or uncollapsed position. The guide system 1120 may be atrack, for example.

It is noted that in the collapsed position, the interior of thecollapsible storage container 130 may not be accessed. However, in somesituations the interior of the collapsible storage container 130 may beaccessed in the collapsed position. Because the collapsible storagecontainer 130 maintains the same shape in both the collapsed anduncollapsed position, the interior may be accessed, for example, underthe truck 100. This may be beneficial, for example, if the bed 120 isbeing used to haul or carry cargo (e.g., rocks, wood, or othersupplies).

FIG. 11B illustrates the collapsible storage container 130 in anuncollapsed position (e.g., pivoted up from underneath the bed of thetruck). In the uncollapsed position, all or at least substantially allof the inside or interior of the collapsible storage container 130 maybe located above the floor of the bed of the truck. For example, thecollapsible storage container 130 may be moved up, for example, using ahandle or lever, above the floor of the bed of the truck.

Bed-Liner Storage Container(s)

A collapsible storage container may be connected to a bed liner. A truckbed liner is a covering that may protect a truck bed from damage and canprevent fine-grained cargo from moving around in the bed of the truck. Abed liner may be a drop-in bed liner. A bed liner is installed in thebed of the truck, for example, by snapping, screwing, or otherwiseconnecting the bed liner to the bed of the truck. A bed liner may bemade of, for example, plastic, rubber, or other material. A bed linermay be made in a single piece (e.g., that is fitted to the bottom andsides of the bed of the truck) or separate pieces (e.g., that areinstalled individually on the bottom and sides of the bed of the truck).In some embodiments, a bed liner may be removable.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B, a collapsible storagecontainer 130 is embedded in a bed liner 1210. Embedded may includemanufactured with (e.g., as a single piece), integrated with, builtinto, or otherwise formed with the bed liner 1210. For example, duringmanufacture of a bed liner, one, some, or all of the panels of acollapsible storage container may be manufactured into the bed liner toallow for the use of a collapsible storage container when the bed lineris installed in the bed of a truck. The collapsible storage container,when manufactured as a single piece with the bed liner may not beremoved from the bed liner. For example, during manufacture, a singleinjection molding process may be used to form both the bed liner and thecollapsible storage container.

FIG. 12A illustrates a collapsible storage container 130 embedded in abed liner 1210 that has not been installed in the bed of the truck. Thearrow 1220 illustrates that the bed liner 1210 may be installed in thebed 120 of the truck. Once the bed liner 1210 is installed in the bed120, the collapsible storage container 130 may be collapsed anduncollapsed. The collapsible storage container 130, when in a collapsedposition, may be used as the bed liner 1210. FIG. 12B illustrates thebed liner 1210 installed in the bed 120 of the truck. The collapsiblestorage container 130 is collapsed. Accordingly, the interior walls ofthe collapsible storage container 130 may be used as part of the bedliner 1210.

FIG. 12B illustrates a top view of a collapsible storage container 130that is embedded in a bed liner 1210. In this example, the bottom panel132 is formed with the bed line 1210 during the manufacturing process.For example, as shown in FIG. 12C, the bed liner 1210 may be formed withindentations 1230 surrounding (e.g., adjacent to) the bottom panel 132,which is formed as part of the bed liner 1210. FIG. 12D illustrates aside view of cross section 1240 (from FIG. 12C) of the bed liner 1210.As shown in FIG. 12D, the bottom panel 132 is formed as part of the bedliner 1210. One or more of the other panels (e.g., 134-142) may beformed with the bottom panel 132. Otherwise, they may be connected aftermanufacture, for example, using hinges.

FIG. 12E illustrates another example of a bedliner 1210. The bedliner1210 may be manufactured to receive a collapsible storage container 130.For example, when manufactured, the bedliner 1210 may be formed toinclude reception slots 1250. The reception slots 1250 may be sized andconfigured to receive one or more connection devices 1260 on thecollapsible storage container 130. For example, prior to or after thebedliner 1210 is connected to the bed 120 of the truck, one or moreconnection devices 1260 may be inserted into the reception slots 1250.When inserted, the one or more connection devices 1260 may lock into thereception slots. This may lock the collapsible storage container 130into place and prevent the collapsible storage container 130 from movingaround.

In an embodiment, the bedliner 1210 may be manufactured with theindentations of FIGS. 12C and 12D; however, the bedliner 1210 with thereception slots does not need to include the indentations. Depending onwhere the connection devices 1260 are located on the collapsible storagecontainer 130, the reception slots may be located in other places of thebedliner 1210. For example, the reception slots may be located on theside walls of the bedliner 1210.

FIG. 12E illustrates an example of a bedliner 1210 that is configured toreceive or connect to a collapsible storage container. Other mechanismsmay be built into the bedliner to connect the bedliner to thecollapsible storage container. For example, the sides of the bedlinermay include indentations as the reception slots. The collapsible storagecontainer 130 may include one or more spring loaded rod on the side ofthe collapsible storage container 130. The spring loaded rod may extendwhen placed inside the indentation of the bed liner.

Electronic System for One or More Collapsible Storage Containers

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a system 1300 for electronicallycollapsing or uncollapsing a collapsible storage container in a bed 120of a truck 100. The system 1300 includes an input device 1310, acomputing device 1320, a movement device 1330, a communication network1340, and a collapsible storage container 130. Additional, different, orfewer components may be provided.

The communication network 1340 may communicatively couple the inputdevice 1310 and movement device 1320 with the computing device 1320. Thecomputing device 1320 may provide overall control for the collapsiblestorage container 130. The computing device 1320 and input device 1310may be indirectly coupled with the computing device 1320 via themovement device 1330.

The input device 1310 may be a switch, button, or other now known orlater developed control device that is used to control the movementdevice 1330 and as a result the collapsible storage container 130. Theinput device 1310 may be located in the cab 110 or the bed 120 of atruck 100. For example, in some embodiments, the input device 1310 andcomputing device 1320 are located in the cab 110 of a truck 100, whilethe collapsible storage container 130 is located in the bed 120. Inanother example, the input device 1310 is located in the bed 120, forexample, on, near, or adjacent to the collapsible storage container 130or on a wall of the bed 120.

The movement device 1330 may be a motor that provides movement to thecollapsible storage container 130. The movement may collapse oruncollapse the collapsible storage container 130. For example, themovement device 1330 may fold, retract, pivot or otherwise collapse thecollapsible storage container 130. However, the movement device 1330 mayunfold, unretract, unpivot the collapsible storage container 130, suchthat the collapsible storage container 130 may be used as a storagecontainer. The movement device 1330, as well as other components of thesystem 1300, may receive power from a power source of the truck 100. Themovement device 1320 may be controlled by the computing device 1320.

The computing device 1320 may be an electronic device that is operableto store, retrieve, process, or a combination thereof data.

The computing device 1320 may be provide overall control of thecollapsible storage container 130. For example, the computing device1320 may control the movement device 1330 based on input from the inputdevice 1310. For example, the input device 1310 may send a signal tocollapse the collapsible storage container 130. The computing device1320 may control the movement of the movement device 1330 to collapsethe collapsible storage container 130. In another example, the inputdevice 1310 may send a signal to uncollapse the collapsible storagecontainer 130. The computing device 1320 may control the movement of themovement device 1330 to uncollapse the collapsible storage container130.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a computing device that providesoverall control of a collapsible storage container. The computing deviceis operable to move a collapsible storage container from a collapsedposition into an uncollapsed position and vice-versa, according to anembodiment.

In the example of FIG. 14, the computing device 1400 includes aprocessor 1410 and a memory 1420. The computing device 1400 may includeadditional, different or fewer components. For example, the computingdevice 1400 may include a display device (e.g., touch screen, dashboarddisplay device) that displays information. The display device maydisplay information relating to collapsing and uncollapsing thecollapsible storage container (e.g., percentage of completion, status,etc.). In another example, the computing device 1400 may include aninput device (e.g., mouse, keyboard, touchscreen, etc.)

The processor 1410 may be a general processor, digital signal processor,application specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array,analog circuit, digital circuit, programmed processor, combinationsthereof, or other now known or later developed processing device.Although shown as a single device, the processor 1410 may be acombination of processors. The processor 1410 is responsive to computerreadable instructions stored in the memory 1420. For example, theprocessor 1410 may execute one or more computer readable instructions.Computer readable instructions may include logic encoded in one or moretangible media.

The memory 1420 is computer-readable storage media. Computer-readablestorage media includes various types of volatile and non-volatilestorage media. Examples of computer-readable storage media include butare not limited to a random access memory, a read-only memory, and ahard disk drive. The memory 1420 may be configured to store data thatmay be accessed by the processor.

As shown in the example of a FIG. 14, the memory 1420 may includecomputer readable instructions (e.g., may be referred to as“instructions”). For example, the memory 1420 may include instructionsto receive an input 1422, instructions to control a collapsible storagecontainer based on the input 1424, and instructions to displayinformation about the collapsible storage container 1426. The memory1420 may include additional, different, or fewer instructions.

The instructions 1422 may be executed to receive an input 1430 from aninput device, a movement device, a collapsible storage container, orother device associated with collapsing and uncollapsing a collapsiblestorage container. For example, the instructions 1422 may be used toreceive an input signal from an input device. The input signal mayinclude a command to collapse or uncollapse all or a portion of thecollapsible storage container.

The instructions 1424 may be executed to control a collapsible storagecontainer based on the received input. Controlling the collapsiblestorage container may include sending a output 1440 to a movement devicethat collapses and uncollapses the collapsible storage container. Theoutput 1440 may include a control signal. For example, the instructions1424 may cause a motor to move and as a result move the collapsiblestorage container.

The instructions 1426 may be executed to display information about acollapsible storage container 1426. The output 1440 may be used whendisplaying information. For example, the output 1440 may be provided toa display device and indicate a percentage of completion (e.g., 50%collapsed, 25% remaining, or 10% uncollapsed) may be displayed on thedisplay device. This information may be displayed. In another example, astatus of the collapsible storage container may be displayed. Forexample, the display may indicate that the collapsible storage containeris collapsed or uncollapsed. More specific information may also beprovided. For example, the display may indicate that one or more of thepanels are open and/or the collapsible storage container islocked/unlocked.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example electronic system 1500 that canbe used to implement the apparatus and methods described herein. Asshown in FIG. 15, the processor system 1500 includes a processor 1502that is coupled to an interconnection bus 1504. The processor 1502 maybe any suitable processor, processing unit, or microprocessor. Althoughnot shown in FIG. 15, the system 1500 can be a multi-processor systemand, thus, can include one or more additional processors that areidentical or similar to the processor 1502 and that are communicativelycoupled to the interconnection bus 1504.

The processor 1502 of FIG. 15 is coupled to a chipset 1506, whichincludes a memory controller 1508 and an input/output (I/O) device 1510.A chipset typically provides I/O and memory management functions as wellas a plurality of general purpose and/or special purpose registers,timers, etc. that are accessible or used by one or more processorscoupled to the chipset 1506. The memory controller 1508 performsfunctions that enable the processor 1502 (or processors if there aremultiple processors) to access a system memory 1512 and a mass storagememory 1514.

The system memory 1512 can include any desired type of volatile and/ornon-volatile memory such as, for example, static random access memory(SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), flash memory, read-onlymemory (ROM), etc. The mass storage memory 1514 can include any desiredtype of mass storage device including hard disk drives, optical drives,tape storage devices, etc.

The I/O device 1510 performs functions that enable the processor 1502 tocommunicate with peripheral input/output (I/O) devices 1516 and 1518 anda network interface 1520 via an I/O bus 1522. The I/O devices 1516 and1518 can be any desired type of I/O device such as, for example, akeyboard, a video display or monitor, a mouse, etc. The networkinterface 1520 may be, for example, an Ethernet device, an asynchronoustransfer mode (ATM) device, a 1502.11 device, a DSL modem, a cablemodem, a cellular modem, etc. that enables the processor system 1500 tocommunicate with another processor system.

While the memory controller 1508 and the I/O device 1510 are depicted inFIG. 15 as separate blocks within the chipset 1506, the functionsperformed by these blocks may be integrated within a singlesemiconductor circuit or may be implemented using two or more separateintegrated circuits.

The processor 1502 may be operable to control a movement device 1524 andas a result a collapsible storage container 1526. For example, theprocessor 1502 may cause the collapsible storage container 1526 to movebetween a collapsed position and an uncollapsed position and vice-versa.This may include being moved completely into the collapsed oruncollapsed position or an intermediary position (e.g., partiallycollapsed).

Accessing the Interior of a Collapsible Storage Container

FIGS. 16A-16D illustrate various ways of accessing the inside orinterior of a collapsible storage container 130. As shown in FIG. 16A, aconnection system may allow the back panel 136 to open and close (shownby arrow 1610) even though the other panels 132-134 and 138-142 remainin a fixed (e.g., uncollapsed) position. As shown in FIG. 16B, the backpanel 136 may include a door 1620 with a handle 1630. As shown in FIG.16C, the door 1620 may open and close (shown by arrow 1650). FIG. 16Cillustrates a cross-section of the collapsible storage container 130along the cross-section 1640 of FIG. 16B. The handle 1630 may allow thedoor 1620 to latch shut. The door may be locked to prevent access to theinterior. The lock may be unlocked, for example, using a key. In anotherembodiment, as shown in FIG. 16D, the top panel 138 may slide (shown byarrow 1660). Sliding the top panel 138, for example, either to the leftor right, may provide access to the inside or interior of thecollapsible storage container 130. In some embodiments, the top panel138 may slide in either direction. However, in some embodiments, the toppanel 138 may only slide in one direction (e.g., either to the left orright).

In an embodiment, instead of or as alternative to one or more of thesides opening to provide access to the inside of the collapsible storagecontainer 130, one or more of the sides may include a door or openingthat provide access to the inside. For example, a door, which is smallerthan a side of the collapsible storage container may be opened andclosed to provide and prevent access to the inside of the collapsiblestorage container 130.

Conclusion

While the inventions have been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from the spirit orscope of the present inventions. Therefore, it is intended that theinventions not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosedherein.

1. A collapsible storage container for a bed of a pickup truck,comprising: a set of panels that are configured to form an enclosed areain a bed of a pickup truck, wherein the set of panels are movable into acollapsed position and an uncollapsed position and wherein the set ofpanels, in the collapsed position, may be used as the bed of the pickuptruck; a connection system that connects the set of panels together,wherein the connection system allows the set of panels to be movableinto the collapsed position and the uncollapsed position; and anattachment system that is configured to connect the set of panels to thebed of the pickup truck.
 2. The collapsible storage container of claim1, wherein the set of panels includes a plurality of panels.
 3. Thecollapsible storage container of claim 2, wherein the set of panelsincludes a top panel, a front panel, and a back panel.
 4. Thecollapsible storage container of claim 1, wherein movable includesfoldable.
 5. The collapsible storage container of claim 1, whereinmovable includes pivotable.
 6. The collapsible storage container ofclaim 1, wherein movable includes retractable.
 7. The collapsiblestorage container of claim 1, wherein the set of panels, when in theuncollapsed position, are located in an open-top cargo area of the bedof the truck.
 8. The collapsible storage container of claim 1, whereinthe set of panels, when in the collapsed position, allow all orsubstantially all of an open-top cargo area of the bed of the truck tobe used for storing, hauling, or carrying.
 9. A system comprising: astorage container that is configured to be moved into and out of acollapsed position, wherein the storage container includes an attachmentsystem that is configured to connect the storage container to a bed of apickup truck and wherein the storage container includes an enclosed areathat is located in an open-top cargo area of the bed of the pickup truckwhen the storage container is moved out of the collapsed position. 10.The system of claim 11, wherein the storage container is sized to fitbetween walls of the bed of the pickup.
 11. The system of claim 11,wherein the enclosed area forms the interior of the collapsible storagecontainer.
 12. The system of claim 12, wherein the storage container isweatherproof to protect one or more items placed in the enclosed areawhen out of the collapsed position.
 13. The system of claim 11, whereinthe storage container is located in the bed of the truck.
 14. The systemof claim 11, further comprising an attachment system that connects thestorage container to the bed of the pickup truck.
 15. The system ofclaim 11, further comprising a support system that supports the storagecontainer when moved out of the collapsed position.
 16. The system ofclaim 11, further comprising a connection system that connects two ormore panels of the storage container together and allows the storagecontainer to move into and out of the collapsed position.
 17. A bed of apickup truck, comprising: an open-top cargo area that located betweenone or more side walls, a tailgate, and a floor, wherein the open-topcargo area is sized to receive a collapsible storage container and theone or more side walls, the tailgate, or the floor are configured toreceive the collapsible storage container; wherein the collapsiblestorage container is configured to be moved into and out of a collapsedposition, wherein the collapsible storage container includes anattachment system that is configured to connect the storage container toeither the one or more side walls, the tailgate, or the floor, andwherein the storage container includes an enclosed area that is locatedin an open-top cargo area of the bed of the pickup truck when thestorage container is moved out of the collapsed position.
 18. Thestorage container of claim 17, wherein the enclosed area is locatedoutside of the one or more side walls, the tailgate, or the floor, whenthe collapsible storage container is moved out of the collapsedposition.
 19. The storage container of claim 17, wherein the enclosedarea is the interior of the collapsible storage container.
 20. Thestorage container of claim 17, wherein the collapsible storage containerallows for substantially all of the bed of the truck to be used as a bedof the truck when in the collapsed position.